Product names (exemplary):
Prednisolone is an artificially produced glucocorticoid. These in turn form the group of steroid hormones, which are produced in the adrenal cortex.
The structure and mode of action of prednisolone is related to the naturally occurring cortisone or hydrocortisone produced in the body.
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The active ingredient prednisolone can be found, for example, in the following drugs:
Prednisolone affects a multitude of physical processes. The carbohydrate and fat metabolism are influenced.
In addition, prednisolone acts on the blood-forming (hematopoietic) as well as the lymphatic system and has an impact on the calcium and mineral corticosteroid balance.
Influences on inflammation, exudation and proliferation (growth) of various tissues also exist with prednisolone.
With regard to the carbohydrate metabolism, prednisolone promotes gluconeogenesis, the build-up of glucose (sugar build-up) from protein (muscles) and intermediate products.
As a result it comes to Muscle breakdown (Muscular atrophy) and osteoporosis as well as a metabolic situation which is similar to that of diabetes mellitus (diabetic metabolic situation).
In fat metabolism, prednisolone causes a Redistribution of fat deposits with increased fat breakdown (lipolysis). The amount of fat is reduced on the extremities and in the liver as well as deposited on the trunk (Trunk obesity).
In the lymphatic tissue, the overall number of white blood cells (Leukocytes), whereby the number of subgroups of eosinophils as well as lymphocytes decreases.
Also the lymphatic tissue as such, in which the proliferation and differentiation of the body's defense cells (T, B lymphocytes = immune system) takes place is reduced and the activity of the lymphocytes is inhibited.
Consequence is a increased susceptibility to infections, because the defense is limited and the immune system is suppressed by prednisolone.
At the same time, this results in a antiallergic effectiveness, there at Allergies the activation of the immune system causes the symptoms. The hematopoietic system increases with prednisolone administration red blood cells (Erythrocytes) and blood platelets responsible for clotting (Platelets) on. Since substances that promote coagulation, the antithrombines, are also reduced at the same time, there is an increased risk of blood clots forming in the vessels (thrombosis) when taking prednisolone.
The inhibition of inflammation, exudation (fluid secretion during inflammatory processes) and proliferation (cell proliferation) initiated by prednisolone results in an anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) effect in connection with delayed wound healing and increased ulcer formation (Ulcer = deep-lying substance defect of the skin or mucous membrane).
Furthermore, prednisolone lowers the Calcium levels in the blood (Hypocalcemia), because the absorption of calcium in the intestine is inhibited and its excretion via the Kidneys is increased.
Last is also one mineral corticoids Observe the active component of prednisolone. Consequences are a decrease in Sodium excretion as well as an increase in Potassium excretion.
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Prednisolone is used on the one hand in the form of a substitution therapy in the sense of a physiological dosed hormone replacement treatmenton the one hand in the form of an unphysiologically higher dose pharmacotherapy. This pharmacotherapy with prednisolone is used in the following areas:
If prednisolone is prescribed, regular medical checks are necessary, with particular attention being paid to potassium intake (increased) and sodium restriction (cautious). Accompanying osteoporosis prevention is also one of the medical tasks when prescribing prednisolone, which consists of vitamin D and calcium administration as well as plenty of exercise.
In acute stressful situations such as accidents, operations or childbirth, the prednisolone dose usually has to be temporarily increased because the need increases due to the stress.
If people in the area have measles or chickenpox, the patient should receive prophylactic treatment, as the immunodeficiency caused by prednisolone makes these infections easier for them to develop.
Lastly, it should be noted that if an allergy test is carried out on the skin, the prednisolone effect can suppress the reaction and thus falsify the result.
Read more on the topic: Taper off cortisone
The prednisolone price for a 5mg tablet is around 10 to 50 cents.
